Meet Laura DeVore, a water color artist whose work bridges the charm of childhood nostalgia with the warmth of classic storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the quiet magic found in simple, everyday moments, her pieces invite viewers into a nostalgic narrative that feels like a favorite, well-loved children’s book. Transitioning from a background in graphic design to full-time illustration in 2021, she combines a professional eye for detail with a heartfelt approach to creativity, crafting visuals that offer both joy and a sense of wonder.
Bunny Tales
Laura DeVore's Voice
Q1. Could you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey as an artist?
I’m Laura DeVore, the illustrator behind Letters From Bear. I didn’t go to art school - in fact, I have a degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Graphic Design. The first few years of my career were spent in corporate roles, but in my spare time I was always designing, sketching, and painting.
With encouragement from friends and family, I eventually worked up the courage to list a few art prints on Etsy and sign up for my first art fair. What started as a creative side project grew into a business, and after a couple of years I was able to pursue it full time.
Today, I spend my days creating illustrations inspired by nature, animals, and the little joys of everyday life. I feel incredibly fortunate to make a living doing what I love.
Q2. When did art become important in your life, and what themes or ideas inspire your work today?
Art has been important to me for as long as I can remember. It has always been a way for me to express the things that sparked wonder and happiness in everyday life. Today, those same influences continue to shape my work. My illustrations are deeply inspired by nature, animals, and the magic of our natural world.
I strive to create illustrations that feel warm and nostalgic - like being immersed in your favorite storybook.
Q3. What does your creative process look like from concept to final piece?
The creative process begins long before I ever sit down at my desk with a sketchbook or paint palette. The best ideas often come to me when I’m out for a walk, cooking in the kitchen, or simply sitting in my backyard watching the birds and rabbits. I’ve found that experiencing life and paying attention to the small, beautiful details around me is what sparks creativity.
Once an idea begins to take shape, I move to my sketchbook and start working through compositions until I feel I’ve captured what I imagined. Sometimes I use reference photos, and other times I rely on memory and imagination.
After the sketch is finalized, I develop a color palette. I’m drawn to soft, muted tones that create a sense of warmth, which is one reason I love working with watercolor. Once the sketch and colors are in place, I begin painting and the piece gradually comes together.
Q4. For this collaboration with Familia Fabrica, what story, feeling, or message are you bringing into the design? What do you hope people feel when wearing it?
I hope that this collection of designs can spark joy and childlike wonder.
I think we often put pressure on art to have a deeper meaning or message. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, I just want to create something that makes people smile! :)
Q5. What has this collaboration meant to you personally, and how does seeing your work transformed into wearable art compare to other mediums?
This collaboration has been such a genuinely fun experience for me. Collaborating with embroidery as a medium pushed me creatively to think about how a painting can translate into embroidery, texture, and fabric.
One of my ongoing goals as an artist is to make art feel accessible and approachable for everyone. Seeing my work move beyond the wall and into something wearable feels like an extension of that idea. I love that my art can be more personal and integrated into everyday life this way.
I am also incredibly honored that someone would choose to wear my illustrations. There is something so special about that.
Q6. Through this collaboration, 10% of Familia Fabrica’s profits support children in need. Beyond your art, is there any value, belief, or message you’d like to share with our community?
One value that feels especially important for me to share - both through my work and in life - is the idea of loving your neighbor. I truly believe in the importance of kindness, empathy, and choosing to uplift one another whenever we can.
So many of the challenges we face in the world could be softened if we would approach each other with more understanding and compassion.
It is meaningful to be a part of a collaboration that also supports children in need, and I hope this collection, in its own way, reflects that spirit of generosity.
